Facilitator Profile

Born in Norway in 1964, he first became interested in Buddhism in his early 20s. After completing his Masters in Engineering and Finance, he renounced and ordained as a bhikkhu with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor in 1996. He also teaches the monastic rules (the Vinaya),the Suttas, gives Pali classes (the language of the texts) and is involved in Sutta translations working closely with Bhikkhu Bodhi. Ajahn Brahmali is well-known for his clear, insightful and inspiring Dhamma talks. He teaches regularly at BSWA and is highly sought after in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. He has also published a number of articles on important points of the Dhamma. Those interested to attend, kindly register online by clicking on the register button below:

About Ajahn Brahmali

Born in Norway in 1964, he first became interested in Buddhism in his early 20s. After completing his Masters in Engineering and Finance, he renounced and ordained as a bhikkhu with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor in 1996. He also teaches the monastic rules (the Vinaya),the Suttas, gives Pali classes (the language of the texts) and is involved in Sutta translations working closely with Bhikkhu Bodhi. Ajahn Brahmali is well-known for his clear, insightful and inspiring Dhamma talks. He teaches regularly at BSWA and is highly sought after in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. He has also published a number of articles on important points of the Dhamma.

FAQ

Q.1. Do I have to attend all 10 days of the program?

To fit into your busy lifestyles, we have structured it into 3 separate Retreats:

1.1) 2 Non-Residential Sutta Retreats over two consecutive Fridays-Sundays (15-17 Mar & 22-24 Mar). You could attend either one or both of them.

Q.2. Is there a requirement for some basic understanding of Buddhism to understand the Suttas that will be covered in this Retreat?

Not necessary.

Q.3. Where can I find the course time-table and the list of Suttas to be covered?

The course time-table and Sutta study materials will be emailed to registered participants nearer the date of the Retreat.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Q.4. I’m a Muslim. Can I participate?

First of all, thank you for your interest! Unfortunately, to comply with the law of the land, we only allow non-muslim participants.

Q.5. Can I bring along my children to attend?

Both Sutta and Meditation Retreat are only open to those aged 17 and above.

Q.6. I can’t attend all of the sessions, can I still participate?

This Retreat is designed with the intention to provide the participant with progressive learning each day so that at the end of the Retreat, he/she would feel inspired with a good understanding of the Dhamma, the practice and the know-how to practice. However, if conditions do not permit your attendance throughout, you are free to leave and join the sessions later. Please inform the organisers beforehand so as to minimize disruptions in the sessions.

Q.7. I have no experience in meditation. Can I participate in the Meditation Retreat?

Yes, you can. As there will be some guided sessions. This is in fact a very good opportunity to learn meditation. If you have laid off consistent meditation practice, this is also a good opportunity to kick start your practice again.

MEDITATION RETREAT

Q.8. Is noble silence practiced in the Meditation Retreat?

Yes, this is to avoid disturbing other participants who wish to dedicate their full attention to meditation.

Q.9. Is it compulsory to practice 8 precepts during the Meditation Retreat?

Yes. It is compulsory for all Residential participants. Non-residential participants can practice the 5 precepts.

Q.10. I prefer to be a Residential participant but I require light snacks in the evening before I take my medicine. Can you all accommodate?

If you are on medication and wish to stay-in, you may have some light snacks with permission from Ajahn. Please bring your own snacks as we will not be able to provide any food in the evening. Please inform the organisers prior to the Retreat.

Q.11. Can I use my mobile phone during the rest time in the Meditation Retreat?

No. You are required to switch off your mobile phone and all other electronic gadgets during the duration of the Meditation Retreat.

MEALS PROVIDED

Q.12. What are the meals provided?

For the 2 Sutta Retreat (Fridays to Sundays) : Lunch and beverages/biscuits for afternoon tea-break.For the Meditation Retreat (Monday to Thursday): Breakfast, lunch and ‘early evening tea’ (Only non-diary drinks, no food) will be provided. Dinner WILL NOT be provided for any participant. (Non-residential participants may choose to practice 5-precepts if you so wish). Please inform the organisers prior to commencement of the program if you wish to take your breakfast at BGF. This is to allow organisers to plan the logistics to avoid wastage.All meals are vegetarian.

Q.13. Is it possible for me to have non-vegetarian meals?

We will only provide vegetarian meals as per Q.12 above.There is a Thai restaurant down the street (5 minutes walk). Other eateries are about 5 minutes drive away.

*Please inform the organisers a day beforehand, if you are not taking any meals at BGF in order to avoid any wastage.

**Not applicable for residential participants of the Meditation Retreat. All Residential participants MUST take the meals provided by the organisers.

THINGS TO BRING

Q.14. What do I need to bring?

You are advised (though not compulsory) to bring a jacket/scarf, water bottle, notebook, pen, own medicine if applicable. For meditation retreat – Residential Participants: The centre provides mattresses and blankets only. You are required to bring your own bed sheet (single) or sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, bath towels, sufficient clothing for the duration of stay and other basic essential items that you require. DO NOT BRING any valuable items, no jewellery. You may bring a small clock but DO NOT activate the alarm. You are not allowed to do laundry during the duration of stay.

DRESS CODE

Q.15. What is the dress code for the Retreat?

Please dress decently and comfortably e.g. loose fitting T-shirts/shirts, sarong, long pants or skirts that cover the knees. No leggings or T-shirts with very loud or sexy messages.

MINIMUM CONTRIBUTIONS/DONATIONS

Q.16. Isn’t the Dhamma free? Why is there a minimum contribution/ donation payable?

Yes, the Dhamma is free. The minimum contribution will be used towards defraying expenses for the Retreat such as cost for meals and beverages, air tickets for the Sangha member, utilities, printing of materials, etc. Part of the contribution will be donated to Bodhinyana Monastery.

Q.17. How can I enjoy discounted rates?

If you are a Malaysian, you may sign up as a BGF Member to enjoy special rates for members. Download Membership forms at https://bgf.org.my/contact-us/

Q.18. I would like to join the Retreat but I cannot come up with the minimum contribution. Is there any way that I can join the Retreat?

Please contact us and we will try to find sponsors to make it possible for you to participate. This will be at the discretion of the organisers.

Q.19. How do I get a refund of the contribution made if I have to cancel my registration?

Please contact the organisers. Refund will be made for valid reasons at the discretion of the organisers.

Q.20. How do I make donations for the Retreats?

You can either bank-in the money at any Maybank ATMs or perform an online transfer to ‘Buddhist Gem Fellowship’ with Maybank account number 5147 2112 6638. Kindly email you bank-in slip to bgf.dhammaduta@gmail.com stating your name and email ID on the slip.

HOW DO I GET TO BGF?

Q.21. How do I get to BGF?

You can reach Buddhist Gem Fellowship by clicking on the Waze/Google maps link in the Contact Us page.If you are taking the LRT, disembark at Lembah Subang station and walk for about 15 minutes (1 km) to BGF. You can also take a ‘Grab car’ or taxi from the LRT station to BGF.

Q.22. If I am not local, where can I find the nearest hotel accommodation?

As BGF is quite near the Lembah Subang LRT station (<1 km or 15 mins walking distance), if you rely on public transport, you can stay at any hotel that is accessible to any LRT station. As an example ,there are 2 new budget hotels (Sovotel Boutique Hotel and Hotel 99) located very near the Kelana Jaya LRT which is one LRT stop away. There are also restaurants within their vicinity.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q.23. Who do I contact if I have other questions?

The contact persons for this Retreat are Bro Bobby Ng 012-635 5571 and Bro Lai Kim Looi 012-210 2519. You may also email to bgf.dhammaduta@gmail.com